Florence Trip Itineraries

Best Things to do in Florence

Destination(s): Florence

First time in Florence, here are the essential places to see and enjoy. Your first visit should include the big landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and museums like the Uffizi and the Accademia.
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San Lorenzo

Santa Maria Novella

San Marco Church

Piazza San Marco 3

tel:055-238-8608

Florence, 50121

Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo

Florence, 50125

The vista which one can see the whole valley of Florence and of the surrounding hills is a must see. The climb up is rewarding, the view is breathtaking. There are buses available to take you to Piazzale Michelangelo. Tourists, tourist groups and tour buses all congregate at this panoramic view. Vendors set up early in the morning with cool beverages for the parched tourists and souvenirs for the eager shoppers. A sunset visit is for the romantics, bringing a wine bottle and gazing at the Florentine sky as it ends another day. There is never a bad time to visit Piazzale Michelangelo, there is always something to see from this heightread more about Piazzale Michelangelo

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (Duomo Works Museum)

Grom

Grom is a gelateria that is frequented by not only tourists but Florentines as well. It has their own specific gusti (flavors) that really entice the new traveler. Founded in 2003 in Torino, it grew very successful and famous among the Italians. In fact, in 2007 Grom opened in New York it being the first city abroad to take on this delicious gelato. In Florence, there is constantly a line running along side the tiny shop near the Duomo. read more about Grom

I Fratellini

Via dei Cimatori 38r

2 blocks from Piazza della Signoria, off Via Calzaiuoli

tel:055-239-6096

Florence, 50122

Lorenzaccio (Il)

The specialties consist of the wood-burning oven pizza presented to you hot right out of the brick oven. Another favorite is the Calzone which is as large as your head, literally. It is an enticing adventure in your mouth with so much mozzarella and ricotta. The PizzaLorenzaccio created by my friend, Michelangelo, topped with the famous prosciutto crudo, sun-dried tomatoes, arugala, black olives, mozzarella. By the same name but an insalata(salad), InsalataLorenzaccio is another favorite, consisting of prosciutto of parma, fresh tomatoes, mouth-watering mozzarella, black olives and lettuce of course. It really is refreshing and full of flavor. Perfect for a hot summer day. Topping it with fresh olive oil and red wine vinegar, I wouldn't have it any other way.
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Bar-Enoteca Coquinarius

Via delle Oche, 15r

tel:39 55 230 2153

Florence, 50123

It is a room full of warmth and the scents of a seasonal menu. Coquinarius has a small menu of different types of bruschette for antipasti, tasty meats and fish. Salads are a forte here; creative choices include toppings such as sun-dried tomatoes, eggplant, sunflower seeds, zucchini flowers or pear. This elegant and striking enoteca has a wide range of wines from Italy, California, Argentina, Austria and Chile. The camerieri(waitstaff) are very kind and full of life. It is a great place to sit for the afternoon, bring a book, enjoy the chiacchiere(chatter) of the other patrons, or get lost in the glass of wine. Wines are served by the glass or bottle in this relaxed, inexpensive experience of true Italian style.read more about Bar-Enoteca Coquinarius

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio

Florence, 50125

You can't miss the most recognizable landmark of Florence, the Ponte Vecchio. Constructed in 1345, the Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge still standing in Florence, hence the name. The multicolored structure bridge was first home to butcher shops. As the noble bankers would cross the Arno river to their offices, there was a rancid smell of pigs blood and rotted meat which extremely offended them. In an effort to improve the area, the Medici stepped in and ordered the lower class shopkeepers out and moved goldsmiths and diamond-cutters in. Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge that escaped the bombing by the Germans in WWII. Today, now a pedestrian bridge, the shops shimmer and shine with necklaces, rings and charms of the most expensive kind. Tourists can enjoy an early morning walk over the bridge before the shops open or at sunset where lovers stare at the horizon as musicians sing and be merry.read more about Ponte Vecchio

Gallerie degli Uffizi (Uffizi Galleries)

Mercato Centrale

Piazza del Mercato Centrale

Florence, 50123

Mercato Centrale built in 1874 and is one of the largest indoor markets in Italy. Located in the zone of San Lorenzo, tourist center of Florence, people seem to just pass through the San Lorenzo market instead of stepping inside the Mercato Centrale. With 2 floors of fresh meat, cheese and restaurants of the delicious kind, you must stop by and see what catches your eye. Mercato Centrale is open from 7am-2pm everyday except Sunday. A busy market inside in the morning after 2pm the San Lorenzo market outside takes over and is thriving with tourists and local vendors. read more about Mercato Centrale

Yellow Bar

Via del Proconsolo, 39r

tel:39 55 21 1766

Florence, 50122

Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolò

via di San Niccolò 60r

tel:+39 055 234 2836

Florence, 50125

Volpe e l'Uva (Le)

This little enoteca off the beaten path is just the place for people looking to get away from those crowded Piazze(squares). It is located in a tiny piazza called Piazza dei Rossi. It has a homey feeling and welcoming atmosphere. The staff is very helpful and kind. If you don't know what you type of wine to try, they will suggest something perfect for you. And to munch on from a long morning of walking, there is an array of cheese plates, salumi, and caprese. In addition, there are typical panini and schiachiatte made with fresh ingredients with superb flavor to add to the experience. They provide a hearty list of wines from small producers throughout Italy. You will find wines in this shop that you won't find anywhere else in Florence. read more about Volpe e l'Uva (Le)

Trattoria Marione

via della Spada 27

tel:39 55 214756

Florence, 50123

Loggia del Mercato Nuovo

Via Porta Rossa

Florence, 50122

Loggia del Mercato Nuovo or Loggia del Porcellino, was built in the middle of the 16th century. Walk a few steps towards the Duomo, you will find Piazza della Repubblica and following the crowds towards the Arno river, the Ponte Vecchio. The stalls used to sell more of silk and luxury goods, but today all you will find is leather bags, coats and tourist souvenirs. The main focus is the Fontana del Porcellino, which was by Pietro Tacca in the 16th century, the original wild boar sits in the Palazzo Pitti. If you rub the nose of the boar it is said you will receive good fortune, after of course leaving a coin in the mouth of the boar as well. Superstition implies that the wish will be granted if the offering tumbles through the grate whence the water flows. Check out the Loggia at night as well. Without the stalls, it is somewhat peaceful.

Borgo Antico

Borgo Antico is constantly packed with a relatively young crowd. Its location, opposite Santo Spirito church, makes it particularly enchanting. In summer, customers can eat in the outdoor cafe. The gigantic dishes that are offered include vegetable and fish starters and excellent meats with salad and tomatoes. It also offers good pizza and great homemade desserts. You can also get the pizzas to go. Just say "porta via" and you are set to go.read more about Borgo Antico